Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy is looking for strong lobbyists to help him both in the State and at the Centre.
As the Rajya Sabha elections are fast approaching, he is looking for strong lobbyists to work in his favour and not just for the rich to fund his party, as is been the practice.
The Rajya Sabha tickets are given to the industrialists these days in return to the donations given by them for the party. One has to spin a few crores of rupees to a ruling party to get elected to Rajya Sabha.
This spinning of currency had been the practice of the political parties for a couple of decades. Every election of Rajya Sabha gives ample funds to the political party that nominates the person. The funds are either used for personal benefits or the party’s political prospects.
Now, with absolute majority in the State Assembly to win all the four Rajya Sabha seats in the March 26 election, Jagan is looking for the candidates loyal to him and to lobby with the Central government for his political interests.
Jagan is facing a potential political rival, who is armed with strong media support, besides the political influence in the national politics. Every MP that he chooses today, should be able to help him counter this political rival.
Besides, Jagan is facing CBI cases and he needs a helping hand from the BJP. That way, he is looking for strong lobbyists having powerful connections with the BJP leadership.
He wants someone who can supplement to what is being done in Delhi by his trusted lieutenant, Vijayasai Reddy.
This round of Rajya Sabha elections are very crucial for Jaganmohan Reddy as this strength should serve him both politically and otherwise rather than in terms of monetary benefit for him and his party.
Thus, the four names that he would clear now, would certainly be some surprise to the political circles.